Examining the Role of Home Birth in the Apulia Region of Italy: Views of Midwives

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the views of midwives about home birth. Methods: Both hospital and community employed midwives selected to be representative for the whole region Apulia (114 subjects) were interviewed by anonymous questionnaire. The questions concerned their working organisation and workload, as well as their knowledge and wish to implement a home birth project. Results: The answers to the questions expressed mixed and contrasting views. Midwives were basically in favour of home birth, but opinions about responsibility and organisation varied. Thus the opinions about their role (independent practitioners or in cooperation with a doctor) were unclear. Concern about medical liability was also another issue that seemed to dominate the responses. Conclusion: Midwives are well aware of the problem of women's choice of childbirth, but still they seem to be reluctant to commit themselves to a definite position about their role and responsibility for home birth. There are several weak points in their knowledge of organisation and concern about medical liability is probably their main argument against being fully involved in a pilot project.